PHYLLIS ELAINE KNUDTSON
July 20, 1930 - April 22, 2013

Phyllis Elaine (Erickson) Knudtson, 82, Kensett, died on Monday, April 22, 2013, at the Lutheran Retirement Home in Northwood.

Funeral service for Phyllis was held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 27, 2013, at the Bethany Lutheran Church, 600 Fifth Street, Kensett, with Pastor Tom Martin officiating. Burial was in the Kensett Cemetery. Visitation was held from 5 until 8 p.m. on Friday at the Conner Colonial Chapel, 1008 First Ave. South, Northwood. Visitation was also held one hour prior to service time on Saturday at the church.
The family would like to suggest that those wishing to give a memorial in her memory may wish to direct them to Bethany Lutheran Church.

Phyllis Elaine Skram was born on July 20, 1930, in Mason City, the daughter of Peder and Emma (Sorenson) Skram. She was baptized in 1930, at the Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Grafton, and confirmed in 1944, at the Bethany Lutheran Church in Kensett, where she was a life-long member. Phyllis was educated and graduated from Kensett, and graduated from Waldorf College in Forest City with an AA degree in 1950. She also graduated from Drake University with a BS degree in 1966.

Phyllis was united in marriage to LuVerne “Bud” Erickson on December 28, 1950, in Kensett. He preceded her in death in January 1995. She was united in marriage to Truman Knudtson on October 10, 1998, in Kensett. He preceded her in death in November 2007.

Phyllis was the organist at Bethany Lutheran Church in Kensett beginning in 1952, playing for 55 plus years, and was a long time choir director.

Phyllis retired in 1993, after 32 years of teaching in the Northwood-Kensett community schools.
Phyllis was very actively involved in the Kensett Variety Show, and played for many funerals and weddings. Phyllis enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, and going to all of their school activities. She also loved to travel, traveling twice to Norway.

Those left to cherish her memory are her two daughters, LuAnne Nelson of Wenatchee, Wash., and JoAnne Millard of Northwood; six grandchildren, Jonathan (Kelly) Geerlings of Fort Myers, Fla., Doug Millard of North Liberty, Trent Millard of Cedar Falls, Trisha Millard of Rochester, Minn., Eric Nelson of Seattle, Wash., and Katie Nelson of Seattle, Wash.; two great-grandchildren, Avery and Taylor Geerlings of Fort Myers, Fla.; and two sisters-in-law, Marcille Skram of Mason City and Ruby Erickson of Yuma, Ariz.; as well as other extended family members and friends.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents, Peder and Emma Skram; her two husbands, LuVerne “Bud” Erickson and Truman Knudtson; her brother, Arthur Skram; and a brother-in-law, James Erickson.

Dotta F. Peshak, 87, of Plymouth, Iowa, died on Sunday, April 21, 2013, in Plymouth.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, April 25, 2013, at Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 N. Pennsylvania Avenue, Mason City, with Rev. Jerry Avise-Rouse and Rev. Wendy Johannesen of the Plymouth United Methodist Church officiating. Interment was at the Plymouth Bohemian Cemetery. Visitation was from 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 24, 2013, at Major Erickson Funeral Home.

Memorials may be directed to the Dotta Peshak memorial fund in care of the family.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.majorericksonfuneralhome.com.  

Dotta was born on July 26, 1925, in Hampton, Iowa, the daughter of Mark and Ocea (Myers) Kempthorne. She graduated from Dows High School in 1942, and continued her education at Ellsworth Jr. College, graduating in 1944.

On October 5, 1952, Dotta was united in marriage to Lester G. Peshak at the Morgan Center Church near Dows.

Over the years, Dotta taught school in Alexander and Jewell and later worked at Farmers Hybrid in Hampton. Dotta was a member of the Plymouth United Methodist Church and served as financial secretary for many years. She was also a member of the UMW and the Ladies Cemetery Association. She enjoyed gardening, refinishing furniture and caning chairs. Dotta and Lester had many furniture refinishing and caning customers around the area and across the country.

Dotta is survived by her husband of 60 years, Lester Peshak of Plymouth; her children, LeAnn Steiff and husband Glenn of Northwood, Richard Peshak and wife Deb of Plymouth, Doug Peshak and wife Mary of Plymouth, Tom Peshak of Dumont, Iowa, and Patty Carpenter of Manly, Iowa; six grandsons, Eric Peshak and wife Cassandra of Waukesha, Wis., Scott Peshak and wife Brenda of Des Moines, Iowa, Jeffrey Steiff of Des Moines and girlfriend Sarah James of Iowa City, Iowa, Robert Peshak and fiancé Leah Bruns of Rochester, Minn., Jim Peshak of Plymouth and Michael Steiff and girlfriend Nikki Larson of Iowa City, Iowa; one great-grandson, Jacoby Peshak of Waukesha; and sister-in-law, Marylou Winter of Mason City. She is also survived by several nieces, nephews and special friend Doris Pflieger.

She was preceded in death by her parents; one brother, Charles Kempthorne; three sisters, Clara King, Yvonne Schwieger and Marguerite Welzien; and a son-in-law: Tracy Carpenter.

Lunch was served at the Plymouth City Hall, 616 Broad Street, following the committal service.

A funeral mass for William Carey was held on Tuesday, April 30, at 10:30 a.m. at St. John's Catholic Church in Bancroft. Burial was held in the church cemetery.

William Malcolm Carey was born on October 18, 1925, in Mason City, Iowa, the son of Bernard Ignatious and Mary Ruth (Bliton) Carey. He grew up in Northwood, Iowa, graduating from Northwood High School in 1943.

He then attended Iowa State College, where he was a member of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity and graduated in 1947 with a bachelor's degree in poultry husbandry. Bill worked beside his father in managing Northwood Produce and Hatchery for a short time and also went on to earn a master's degree in poultry breeding from Oklahoma A&M College (OSU) in 1951.

He then held a variety of positions in insurance, real estate and sales management. In 1930, he met Julia "Julie" Vega, and they were married on April 4, 1964, in Algona, Iowa. Also in 1964, Bill began working at Welp Hatchery in Bancroft, Iowa, where he was eventually promoted to geneticist and director of research and development.

Bill and Julie made their home in Bancroft and raised their three children. He served as a poultry judge at the Kossuth County Fair for many years, was active in the Bancroft Rotary Club and was a member of the Kossuth County Economic Development Commission.

Bill passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 25, 2013, at Country Manor Memory Care in Davenport, Iowa. He was 87.

He is survived by three daughters, Eileen Smith, Cecilia Carey and Mary Adams; sister, Rosa Thompson of Bettendorf, Iowa; his sister, Mary Scroggin of Fort Walton Beach, Florida; two daughters from a previous marriage, Pam and Kim, who never left his heart; and many nieces and nephews.

RONALD JASPERS
December 31, 1950 - May 7, 2013

Ronald "Ronnie" Raymond Jaspers, 62, of St. Ansgar, Iowa, formerly of Northwood, Iowa, passed away Tuesday, May 7, 2013, at the Mitchell County Regional Health Center in Osage.

A celebration of Life Service for Ronnie will be held 11:00 A.M. Saturday, May 11, 2013, at the Conner Colonial Chapel, 1008 First Ave. South, Northwood, with Pastor Barbara Wills of Peace Lutheran Church officiating. Inurnment will be in the Sunset Rest Cemetery in Northwood. Visitation will be held from 5:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. on Friday, and one hour prior to service time on Saturday at the chapel.

The family of Ronald Jaspers would like to suggest that those wishing to give a memorial in his memory may with to consider memorial contributions to ?Save our strays? c/o Cedar Valley Veterinary Clinic, 107 South Park Street, St. Ansgar, Iowa 50472.

Ronald ?Ronnie? Raymond Jaspers was born on December 31, 1950, in Mason City, Iowa, the son of Maynard and Marjorie (Lewis) Jaspers. Ronnie received his education in the Northwood-Kensett Community Schools, graduating in 1969. He also graduated from N.I.A.C.C. in Mason City in 1971, and Mankato State College in 1973. Before earning his nursing degree from Hawkeye Technical Institute in Waterloo in 1982, Ronnie worked at St. Francis Hospital in Waterloo. After obtaining his nursing degree, he moved to Atlanta, GA, and was instrumental in starting a Psychiatric medical facility at Emory University that was the first of its type in the country and future facilities modeled itself from this. Ronnie returned home in 1998 to be near his family, and worked on various administrative boards and health related areas.

Ronnie enjoyed classic cars, flying, motorcycles, gardening, 60?s music, and dogs, especially poodles, and his dog Tess.

Ronnie was deeply rooted in Midwestern values, helping others with their computers, everyday problems, and anything mechanical. He was a true care giver, not wanting or expecting anything in return, was very spiritual, and loved exploring and growing in other religious faith.

Those left to cherish his memory is his partner of 28 years, Dennis Hatton of St. Ansgar; his brothers, Donald Jaspers of Northwood, and Bradley Jaspers of the Mosaic Group Home in Clarion; his sister Pat Muehl for the last 50 years, of Evansdale; his uncle, Bill (Jo) Lewis of Three Rivers, MI; his aunt-in-law, Pete Lewis of Mason City; many cousins and friends.

Ronnie was preceded in death by his parents, Maynard in 1993, Marjorie in 2012, and his uncle, Lefty ?Myron? Lewis.

Conner Colonial Chapel: (641) 324-1543

www.colonialchapels.com

NORMAN OLSON
August 29, 1934 - May 11, 2013

Norman was born on a farm near Lindsay, Nebraska to his mother Rebecca and his father Berndt. It was natural for Norman to love the farm life, watching the crops grow, caring for the animals and doing handiwork where ever he found it needed.  Norman eventually moved to a farm near Newman Grove, Neb. Where he attended country schools and the public school in Newman Grove to finish his education.  He later served in Guam for the U.S. Army.  Following his honorable discharge he moved to Albert Lea, Minnesota where he met his wife, Shirley Butler.  Norm and Shirley wed on December 28th, 1957, and in 1958 the couple moved back to the Olson family farm in Newman Grove.  After 24 years of farming and a major heart surgery, Norman, Shirley, son Steve and daughter Dianne moved to Northwood, Iowa.

As an active member of Zion Church, Norman served on the church council.  He also served on the Lindsay Coop Board.  After having moved to Northwood, aside from finding ways to help local farmers and becoming a member of the First Lutheran Church of Northwood, Norman worked as a groundskeeper at both the Worth County Fairgrounds and the Northwood Country Club.   Among other things, Norman enjoyed woodworking, yard work, traveling, baking bread and cinnamon rolls and spending time with his family (especially his “sweetie-pies”).

The family suggests memorials go to either the First Lutheran Church, the Cancer Society or Northwood Fire and Rescue.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, a son and a granddaughter.

Left to cherish Norm’s memory is his wife Shirley; son Steve Olson and wife Ann of Papillon, Neb.; daughter, Dianne Bailey and husband Bob Bailey of Northwood; granddaughters, Sarah and Amy Odom of Northwood; sister, Tecla Briggs of Columbus, Neb.: brothers Howard and wife Anita Olson of Columbus, Neb., Stanley Olson of Springfield, Mo., Robert and wife Margaret Olson of LaMesa, Ca., Karl and wife Rochelle Olson of Meridian, Id., Roger and wife Glotia Olson of Casa Grande, Az; many nieces, nephews, friends and relatives.

MAVIS ELAINE SEIDEL
February 19, 1921 - May 13, 2013

Mavis Elaine Seidel, age 92, of Northwood, formerly of Hanlontown, Iowa, died Monday, May 13, 2013, at the Lutheran Retirement Home in Northwood.

Funeral services will be held at 5 p.m., today, Wednesday, May 15, at Grace Lutheran Church in Hanlontown, with Pastor Linda Johnson officiating.

Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church on Wednesday.

Burial will be at 9 a.m., on Thursday, May 16, at Brush Point Cemetery, rural Hanlontown.

Memorials may be directed to the Lutheran Retirement Home, 700 10th St. N, Northwood, IA 50459, or the Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Avenue, Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601.

Mavis Elaine (Domholdt) Seidel was born on February 19, 1921, in Worth County, Iowa, to parents Herman and Ingeborg Amanda (Storre) Domholdt. She attended and graduated from Hanlontown High School.

On June 4, 1940, Mavis was united in marriage with Frank Seidel at Concordia Lutheran Church, rural Joice. The family made their home on the Domholdt family farm in rural Hanlontown.

Over the years, Mavis had part time jobs including working at Good Shepherd Care Center, Carroll George, and at the Plant Ranch in Hanlontown, to name a few. Most importantly, she was a homemaker who loved to tend to her gardens, her home, and her family.

Mavis and Frank enjoyed square dancing. Mavis was a member of the Auxiliary Board at the Lutheran Retirement Home in Northwood, and she was active at Grace Lutheran Church. Mavis was a member of WELCA, altar guild, and circle. She gave her time and talents in many ways throughout her lifetime, keeping busy and always setting an example for her children and grandchildren to follow.

Survivors include her four children: Arlyn Seidel of New Kirk, Okla; Carolyn Berghoefer of Hampton, Iowa; Dennis (Karen) Seidel of Sturgis, S.D.; and Diane Chapa of Chaska, Minn; 11 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; 5 great-great-grandchildren; and many special nieces, nephews, and a host of friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Frank; two sons-in-law, Norman Weiland and Leonard Berghoefer; daughter-in-law, Mary Ann Seidel; two brothers, Olaf and Alvin Domholdt; and two sisters Selma Midtgaard and Irene Nelson.

You can contact the family with on line condolences at www.mittelstadtfuneralhome.com. 641-592-0221

ROGER LARRY GORDON
May 4, 1942 - May 11, 2013

Roger Larry Gordon, 71, died May 11, 2013 at Grace Pointe Gables West in Cambridge, Minnesota after fighting several years of Alzheimer’s disease. He was surrounded with family as he went to be with his savior.

A funeral service for Roger will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 16, 2013 at the Conner Colonial Chapel, 1008 First Ave. South, Northwood, Iowa, with Pastor Tom Martin officiating. Burial will be in the Kensett Cemetery. Visitation will be held one hour prior to service time at the chapel.

Roger Larry Gordon was born on May 4, 1942, in Kensett, Iowa, the son of Lawrence and Myrtle (Gillerman) Gordon. Roger received his education in the Northwood-Kensett Community Schools, graduating from Northwood-Kensett High School. Roger also attended N.I.A.C.C. in Mason City, Iowa where he studied drafting. Roger worked for several years for Chamberlain Manufacturing in Waterloo, Iowa and also for TriMark (Duchossois) in Hampton, Iowa where he retired. Following his retirement, Roger worked part time for Lowes Home Improvement in Waterloo, Iowa. Also during the many years Roger lived in Hudson, Iowa, he built and operated a mini-storage business.

Roger loved carpentry and built his homes and helped many friends build their homes. He loved building wood projects, like clocks and shelves. He also loved to restore cars. In his down time, Roger enjoyed searching for treasures at thrift stores and garage sales. Roger traveled throughout the United States and to many other countries, and often told stories of the many different cultures he encountered.

During his time in Hudson, Iowa, Roger was a member of the Zion Lutheran Church.

Those left to cherish his memory are his children, Darin (CJ) Bartels of Cambridge, Minnesota, and Todd Bartels of Waterloo, Iowa; his grandchildren, Kayla Bartels (Chris Crowl) of Grundy Center, Iowa, Zachary Bartels (Kala Rhoads) of Cambridge, Minnesota, Zildjian Bartels of Denver, Iowa, Dawson and Emilie Bartels of Cambridge, Minnesota; two great-grandchildren, Khloe Bartels and Brooklynn Bartels; his brother, Dean (Phyllis) Gordon of Northwood, Iowa; his sister, Laura (Gary) Greenlund of Northfield, Minnesota; as well as two nieces, one nephew; and many other extended family members and friends.

Roger was preceded in death by his parents.

AGNES MARIE SEVERSON
November 13, 1912 -  May 18, 2013

Agnes Marie Severson, 100, died Saturday, May 18, 2013, at the Good Samaritan Center, St. Ansgar.

Funeral services are planned for 11 a.m. Thursday, May 23, at Deer Creek Lutheran Church with the Rev. Lance Kittleson officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to service. Burial will be at the First Lutheran Cemetery, St. Ansgar.

Agnes Marie Severson was born November 13, 1912, to Gustav and Alma (Schmidt) Feldt in Newburg Township, Mitchell County, St. Ansgar. She was baptized on December 22, 1912, at home by the Rev. G.A. Bischoff. Her sponsors were Mrs. Ferdinand Feldt, Olga Schmidt and William Schmidt.

On April 1, 1928, she was confirmed by the Rev. Carl Landdeck at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Grafton. She attended and graduated from Carpenter High School, Carpenter on May 20, 1932.

Agnes was united in marriage to Orvie Severson on March 21, 1937, at First Lutheran Church in St. Ansgar. The Rev. Olaf Langehough officiated. They farmed the Andrew Severson homestead until 1974 when they retired to the Severson home in Carpenter. She was active in her church circle, ELCW and Do Day activities.  She loved to travel and enjoyed many trips inside and outside the U.S. Her family was a special joy. She attended family events until her later years when it became difficult for her to do so.
Agnes is preceded in death by her parents, husband Orvie in 1980, sister Helen in 1974, brother Wilmer in 1992, brother Herbert in 2003 and brother Arnold in 2008.

She is survived by children: Shirley Severson (Norris Krause) of Plymouth, Minn., Carol (Bruce) Gordon of Grundy Center, Iowa, Dennis (Peggy) Severson of Thornton, Colo.; three grandsons, Loren (Deb) Gordon of Chanhassen, Minn.; Brian (Kristi) Gordon of Van Meter, Iowa; John (Brandi) Gordon of Grundy Center; three granddaughters, Melissa (Eric) Severson Frickell, Julie (Andy) Clem, and Sarah (Jeff) Spletzer, all of Thornton, Colo.

Eleven great grandchildren survive: Anna and Nick Gordon of Chanhassen, Grant, Drew, Will and Ben Gordon of Van Meter, Reece and Colin Gordon of Grundy Center, Grace and Ethan Clem of Thornton, and Clive Orvie Severson Frickell of Thornton. She is also survived by one sister, Irene Thompson of Austin, Minn., sister-in-laws Joan Feldt and Delores Feldt of St. Ansgar, brother-in-law, Charles Thompson and nineteen nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be directed to the Deer Creek Lutheran Church, Carpenter; Good Samaritan Center, St. Ansgar or Hospice of Northeast Iowa.

Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home, St. Ansgar, 641-713-4920 , www.schroederandsites.com. 

EVELYN P. FJELSTAD
July 15, 1918 - May 24, 2013

Evelyn P. Fjelstad, age 94, of Lake Mills, Iowa, died Friday, May 24, 2013, at the Lake Mills Care Center.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 PM on Thursday, May 30, 2013, at Salem Lutheran Church in Lake Mills with Pastor David E. Jordon officiating. Burial will be in Salem Memorial Cemetery, rural Lake Mills.

Visitation will be on Wednesday, May 29, 2013, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Mittelstadt Funeral Home, 902 East Main Street in Lake Mills, and will continue one hour prior to services at the church on Thursday.
Evelyn (Groe) Fjelstad was born on July 15, 1918, in Worth County, Iowa, to parents Elmer and Pearl (Sime) Groe. She grew up in the Silver Lake Township area, attending various country schools. She graduated as valedictorian of the Class of 1937 at Lake Mills High School. Evelyn then went on to earn her teaching degree and taught in country schools in Worth County.

On October 12, 1940, Evelyn was united in marriage with Leonard Fjelstad. The couple made their home in the Lake Mills area. To this union, seven children were born: Bonnie, Mary, David, Gary, Jim, Kathy, and Cynthia.

While raising her family, Evelyn worked at the Grand Café and later at Deluxe Products where she retired from in 1985. She also liked to stay active. She loved to bake, sew, play cards and board games, and visit with friends and family.

Evelyn had a memory that was indescribable. She could tell you the birthdates of all her 14 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, and 9 great-great-grandchildren. She was very active at Salem Lutheran Church with Mission Quilters, and other mission work such as making layettes, health kits, and school bags. She was especially proud when a few years ago, her circle had put together 100 school bags for the church.

She is survived by her children, Bonnie (Dave) Steffens, David (Donna) Fjelstad, Gary (Nancy) Fjelstad, Jim Fjelstad, and Cynthia Fjelstad, all of Lake Mills, IA, and Kathy Roush of Indianola, IA; 14 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; 9 great-great-grandchildren; a brother Arlen (Rhodette) Groe of Albert Lea, MN; three sisters-in-law, Glennie Fjelstad of Lake Mills, IA, Louise Groe of Albert Lea, MN, and Maxyne Groe of Mankato, MN; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Leonard in 1981; daughter Mary in 2011; seven brothers, Orin, Burnell, Elton, Duane, Gerald, Donald, and Eugene Groe; and her sister Carmen Butler.

Posted on 30 June 2013 by Jay Lehmann